Nairobi’s SMA House of Formation was a radiant hub of joy and gratitude, hosting a magnificent triple celebration: the 169th anniversary of the Society of African Missions (SMA), founded on December 8, 1856, in Lyon, France; Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day; and the solemn closure of the formation house’s 30th anniversary year. The air was thick with fraternity, song, and prayer as generations of SMA missionaries, friends, and supporters gathered.

The festive Eucharistic celebration, a cornerstone of the day, was presided over by the SMA Vicar General, Fr. Damien Bresnahan, and concelebrated by over 43 priests. In his poignant homily, Fr. Bresnahan retraced the steps of the founder, Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac, and his six companions to the Chapel of Our Lady on Fourvière Hill. He shared a poignant moment from August 4th of this year, when he and the Superior General, Fr. François du Penhoat, knelt in that same chapel to light 28 candles for each SMA province, district, and delegation, entrusting the Society’s future to Mary.

Reflecting on the 30-year journey of the Nairobi house, blessed on November 3, 1994, by the late Maurice Cardinal Otunga, Fr. Bresnahan urged lifelong formation centered on the heart. Using the metaphor of butterflies, he reminded all that happiness and grace are received in stillness. He expressed profound gratitude to the global SMA family, the 55 current seminarians, and the countless supporters whose prayers and generosity fuel the mission.

A Heartfelt Vote of Thanks: Honoring the Journey

The Provincial Superior of SMA Kenya, Fr. Robbin Kamemba, expressed immense joy at standing before so many familiar and new faces to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the formation house.

He acknowledged confreres, formators, friends, supporters, and family members—describing the gathering as a big family reunion filled with storytelling, laughter, and emotion.

He paid tribute to the formation house that shaped him and many others into missionaries of hope. He recognized two of his former formators—Fr. Tom Curran and Fr. James Clesham—who received him in 1995 for “come and see” and were present when he was sent on mission in 1999.

Fr. Kamemba thanked the Irish Province for its enormous support in establishing the Kenyan foundation, as well as the British and American Provinces.

He honored confreres who traveled from abroad to attend the celebration, mentioning them by name, including former rectors of the formation house, mission collaborators, and those working in challenging mission areas like Lodwar and Chepareria.

Fr. Kamemba noted that Kenya is now a full SMA Province—no longer a region or district—an achievement worth celebrating, yet one that brings new responsibilities.

Addressing the SMA Friends, he emphasized that their partnership has always been more than financial; it is relational, sacrificial, and deeply appreciated.

He thanked families, benefactors, supporters, and the dedicated staff of the formation house, acknowledging their tireless service behind the scenes.

He commended SMA members and seminarians for their hard work in preparing the celebration, noting their sleepless nights and commitment.

He acknowledged the presence of various religious communities, especially the OLA Sisters, joking that without them, the SMA formation house would lack a football team to compete with.

Friendship as a Pillar: A Message from SMA Friends

Dr. Caroline Kimathi, Leader of SMA Friends Kenya, expressed gratitude for the invitation, saying that celebrations without friends would be incomplete. She emphasized the value of friendship and being present, noting that true friends show up not only in sorrow but also in moments of joy.

She highlighted the long-standing relationship between SMA Friends and the formation house, referencing the Ubuntu philosophy: “We are because you are.”

She celebrated the achievements witnessed in SMA Kenya—from priests formed in the house, to the talents of seminarians, to the growth of new SMA scholars such as recently conferred Doctorate holders.

Dr. Kimathi encouraged continued support, especially through monthly contributions via the SMA Paybill. She reminded the community that mission requires both prayer and financial support and urged everyone to help the Kenyan Province grow stronger and more self-reliant.

She encouraged seminarians to remain committed to their calling, acknowledging that the journey is not always easy but always worthwhile. She thanked the formators for shaping and supporting the seminarians with love and dedication.

She thanked priests for their openness and friendship, reminding them that they are always welcome in the homes of SMA Friends.

She appreciated alumni who returned for the celebration and encouraged them to visit often.

 Rector’s Gratitude: Renaming a Legacy

Fr. Remi Fatchéoun, the current Rector, delivered a comprehensive address of thanks, highlighting the anniversary’s goal: family reunion and gratitude. He formally acknowledged a host of alumni and guests who traveled great distances, including:

• Fr. Tom Curran (Second Rector, 1995-2001)
• Fr. James Clesham (Bursar, 1996-2001)
• Fr. John Dunne (Second Superior of the African Foundation, Fourth Rector 2005-2007)
• Fr. Aloïs Kituba (Alumnus 2000, Dean & Bursar 2002-2004)
• Fr. Fabian Gbortsu (Dean 2004-2007, Rector 2010-2015)
• Fr. Albert Kouamé (Spiritual Director 2005-2007, Rector 2007-2010)
• Fr. Fabian Sognon (Alumnus 2002)
• Fr. Fidelis Atolagbe (Alumnus 2006)
• Fr. Dominic Wabwireh (Alumnus 2008, SMA Media Center, France)
• Fr. Lophias Yeboua (Alumnus 2010)
• Fr. Brice Afferi (SMA Media Center, Rome)
• Lay alumni: Mr. Francis Romanus Sweta, Mr. Samuel Mburu, and Hon. Boniface Akosi.

In a lasting tribute to the house’s history, Fr. Remi announced the renaming of key buildings upon consultation:

• The Old Block is now the Fr. John O’Mahony Block (First Rector, 1994-1995).
• The Community Room is now the Fr. Cornelius Murphy Room (Spiritual Director, 1996-2005).
• The Old Block Extension is now the Bishop Patrick Harrington Block (Superior General 1983-1995, instrumental founder).
• The new Auditorium (converted from the TV room) is now the Maurice Cardinal Otunga Auditorium.
• The New Block is named after a generous American donor connected to Fr. Patrick Devine, who was pivotal in the house’s development.

Fr. Remi extended deep gratitude to partner institutions like Tangaza University College and the Consolata Institute of Philosophy, and to neighbouring congregations like the De La Salle Brothers, Apostles of Jesus, Congregation of Mission, and Donum Dei Sisters for their great support.

Planting Seeds for the Future: The 30th-Year Milestone

The article would be incomplete without recalling the solemn commencement of the anniversary year on November 3, 2024. On that day, Fr. François de Paul Hounguè the then Vicar General, Fr. Robin Kamemba, and Fr. Rémi Fatchéoun led a symbolic tree-planting ceremony with seminarians and staff, representing deep roots and future growth.

During evening prayers, reflections honored the over 162 priests formed in the house now serving worldwide, and remembered departed members like Fr. Peter Pandi, Fr. Adam Bartkowicz, Fr. Matthew Bassah, Fr. Lawrence Ongoma, and Fr. Cornelius Murphy.

Today, the House of Formation is a vibrant community comprising five formation staff and 55 seminarians from 13 different nationalities, including 44 theology students and 11 philosophy students. Embracing the joyful challenge of growth, the community marked the closing ceremony on December 12, 2025, with renewed hope and a strong appeal for continued partnership in forming and training future heralds of the Gospel for Africa.

By Diminic Wabwireh